Character Relationship Map: Java Head

Characters

• Taou Yuen (played by Leatrice Joy) — protagonist

  A Chinese noblewoman rescued by Gerrit in China. To save her from execution by her father, Gerrit marries her and brings her to Salem. Her arrival causes family consternation and Nettie's illness. Aft...

• Nettie Vollar (played by Jacqueline Logan) — supporting

  Gerrit's true love and granddaughter of Barzil Dunsack. She falls ill upon Taou's arrival but later learns Gerrit's enduring affection for her. After a visit from the dying Taou, she marries Gerrit an...

• Barzil Dunsack (played by George Fawcett) — supporting

  An adversary of Jeremy Ammidon and grandfather to Nettie. He exercises authority over Gerrit, at one point commanding him to leave his house.

• Edward Dunsack (played by Raymond Hatton) — supporting

  An opium-addicted man obsessed with Taou. He attempts to sabotage her marriage to Gerrit by falsely claiming Gerrit loves Nettie, though Taou dismisses his interference.

• Jeremy Ammidon (played by Frederick Strong) — supporting

Key Relationships

• Taou Yuen → Barzil Dunsack (Social Distant Acquaintance)
• Edward Dunsack → Jeremy Ammidon (Conflict Hostile Associate)
• Nettie Vollar → Jeremy Ammidon (Social Community Associate)
• Edward Dunsack → Nettie Vollar (Narrative Indirect Antagonist)
• Jeremy Ammidon → Taou Yuen (Social Disapproving Patriarch)
• Taou Yuen → Nettie Vollar (Conflict Unintentional Rival)
• Edward Dunsack → Taou Yuen (Conflict Manipulator)
• Edward Dunsack → Barzil Dunsack (Family Relative)
• Barzil Dunsack → Nettie Vollar (Family Grandfather)
• Jeremy Ammidon → Barzil Dunsack (Conflict Arch Enemy)

Story Analysis

A tale of familial rivalry, cultural collision, and tragic sacrifice that ultimately clears the path for romantic resolution.

Plot Progression

1. The Salem Feud
2. Eastern Voyage & Marriage
3. Cultural Clash & Manipulation
4. Tragic Resolution & Departure